Newsroom

SIREN has a vision of a new America where immigrants are valued, integrated, and seen as essential to our society, and where the human rights of all persons are protected and honored. SIREN’s core value is immigrant empowerment. We focus on immigrants themselves being the primary agents of change. By strengthening and deepening the participation level and leadership of immigrants, we work toward long-term systemic changes that promote social justice and equality, freedom from oppression, and an end to poverty. Through these long-term systemic changes, immigrants will have the opportunity for individual/social responsibility, self-determination and political participation. By accomplishing this, we will have a society that is compassionate, inclusive and united.

Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) Speaks Out on Congressional Budget Vote That Once Again Ignored a Clean DREAM Act

In the middle of the night, the Senate and the House of Representatives disappointed 86% of America by passing a bill for a continuing budget resolution to keep the government open for the second time in three weeks. Despite the efforts to keep a conversation going to ensure a clean DREAM Act gets a fair vote in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats ignored the looming deadline to address the uncertainty that DREAMers face particularly as we quickly approach the March 5 DACA deadline. Disappointingly, a majority of our members of Congress chose to side with racism and dismiss the voices of millions of Americans to address the situation and voted to sell out DREAMers.

SIREN condemns this callous attempt to ignore what is a serious and urgent crisis. Next week, the Senate is slated to take up an immigration bill which could be subjected to amendments that harm the immigrant community. SIREN Executive Director Maricela Gutiérrez commented, “Congress failed DREAMers and the immigrant community once again by passing a continuing resolution with no immigration solutions. Instead, too many members of Congress are showing their lack of concern for these brave young people. With the Senate debate expected next week, Congress cannot fail us again. Now is the time to ensure that Congress addresses this crisis and passes a bill that is a clean DREAM bill without a border wall, cuts to the family immigration system, or elimination of the diversity visa program We need to make sure that Congress solves this crisis now and does not cave into the will of racists and a bully in the White House by supporting any anti-immigrant amendments."

SIREN | Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network

SIREN’s mission is to empower low-income immigrants and refugees in Santa Clara County through community education and organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy and naturalization services. We believe that all people regardless of legal status or nationality are entitled to essential services, human dignity, basic rights and protections, and access to full participation in society.

As we fight for immigrant and refugee rights, we ask you to consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor. Your support will directly support free legal services, advocacy work for more just laws, and leadership training for community leaders.

Free Weekly Removal Defense Clinics

Every Wednesday in the Bay Area Office 9:00am - 4:00pm. No appointment is necessary.

Free Weekly "Know Your Rights" Clinics

Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Bay Area Office. No appointment is necessary.